Best Places to See in Nagaland

The state is a popular destination for vibrant traditions and festivals. The Naga Population is one of the warmest and hospitable people on earth. It became the 16th state of India Union in the year 1963. It is bordered by Assam in the West, Myanmar on the East, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the North and finally. Nagaland has 7 administrative Districts inhabited by around 16 major tribes and these tribal people have a unique set of clothes, jewelry and beads that make them seen among the crowd of many. This is an affluent fashion station of the East, where the young generation has ventured into stuff like fashion designing. Nagaland- Vibrant Traditions – the land of Festival and also the land of the hospitable and warm Nagas, was formally inaugurated on December 1st, 1963, as the 16th State of the Indian Union. It is bounded by Assam in the West, Myanmar (Burma) on the east, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam on the North and Manipur in the South.

Famous Attractions and Places of Interest in Nagaland

A great Nagaland tourist spot, Dimapur is known to be the entry point to the state. A well-connected town with noteworthy road conditions, it is famous for its scenic landscape. Dimapur offers lovers of nature and history some of the best things to do in Nagaland. One of the most attractive places in the town, the Kachari Ruins that belong to the 13th century is proof of the Ahom invasion. Some of the best Nagaland tourist places, Nichuguard Village, Chumukedima, Kuki Dolong Village, Seithekima Village, and Medziphema, offer breathtaking views.

You can discover here the culture of several tribes such as Angami, Lotha, Sumi, Sangtam, Ao, Chakehsang, Rengma Pouchury, and Zeliang. Do not forget to visit Ruzaphema, your one-stop shopping destination in Dimapur. It is famed for displaying some of the most beautiful artifacts of the state. Situated far away from the chaos of city life, Dimapur is one of the best Nagaland tourist places.

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions in Dimapur are:-

• Kachari Ruins
• Diezephe Craft Village
• Green Park
• Rangapahar Reserve Forest / Zoological Park
• Dimapur Ao Baptist Church
• Nagaland Science Centre
• Diphupar
• Nichuguard
• Kuki Dolong Village
• Medziphema
• Ruzaphema
• Chumukedima Village

One of the top Nagaland famous places, Kohima has an irresistible charm of its own. Although a commercial hub, Kohima still manages to retain its natural beauty and continues to be one of the best places to see in Nagaland. A town with a blend of history and modernity, it has become a very significant landmark of the state. Offering several picturesque views, this town is sure to remind you of the scenarios during the time of the Second World War.

You can also gain insights into the Angami tribe that predominates this region. The Japfu Peak and the Puliebadze Peak are known to be among the most attractive Nagaland tourist spots. For those who love history, Tseminyu offers the sight of delightful ancient ruins, abandoned villages, broken pottery, and graveyards. For an experience like no other, visit Kohima!

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions in Kohima are –

• Dzukou Valley
• Japfu Peak
• Puliebadze Peak
• Kohima War Cemetery
• Kohima State Museum
• Deputy Commissioner’s Bungalow
• Kohima Zoo
• Naga Bazaar
• Tseminyu
• Dzüleke

Home to the Ao tribes, Mokukchung is one of the most beautiful and energetic districts in Nagaland. The hospitality, traditions, and festivals of Mokukchung make it a top choice for tourists among the many Nagaland famous places. Longkhum, a destination in this district, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. With hillocks that are decked with rhododendrons and a serene environment, Longkhum is also famous for its ethnic handloom and handicraft. It is also interestingly home to a sect called Limapur that practices animist religion.

Another place of interest in Mokukchung is Ungma which is believed to be the first place that was founded by the Ao tribe upon their entrance into Nagaland from Chungliyimti. One of the fascinating things to do in Nagaland is exploring Ungma that is considered to be a living museum of the Ao tribe. Chuchuyimlang can be another place of interest that is frequently referred to as the festival village. It is famed for its celebration of festivals of the Ao Nagas such as the Moatsu festival that happens in May.

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions in Mokukchung are –

• Changtonya
• Mokukchung Peak
• Mokukhung Village
• Longkhum
• Ungma
• Chuchuyimlang

One of the best Nagaland tourist places, Mon is a fascinating land. Known for warriors with tattoos on their faces, headhunting skills, and people with blackened teeth, this place is the land of the Konyak Nagas. The Konyaks, famed to be the descendants of Noah, practice agriculture. For this reason, Mon is known to have the most beautiful harvest in the whole of Nagaland. This place is sure to give you several exciting encounters. If you happen to be in Longwa, you will have half of your body in India while the other half will be in Myanmar.

One of the most interesting sights in Longwa is the chief’s house where you will find the chief residing with his 60 wives. The vast number of trophies made of animal skulls in the chief’s house is a view that cannot be missed. The Shangnyu Village with its famous wooden carving, the Veda Peak, and Chui Village are some of the most beautiful attractions on Mon. If you visit Mon in April, you can witness the Aoleang Monyu Festival, which is a lively harvest festival of the Konyak Nagas. As a weeklong festival that is celebrated with the hosting of large feasts and the offering of sacrifices, it is undoubtedly an occasion that deserves a visit.

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions on Mon are –

• Longwa Village
• Veda Peak
• Chui Village
• Shangnyu Village

Truly nature’s marvel, Wokha is a gift to Nagaland. Lined with colourful orchards, fringed by hills and river, and blanketed with multi-hued flowers, this place is a treat to the eyes of nature lovers. Occupying a high position among the best Nagaland tourist places, Wokha is a great place to bask in the beauty of nature. From the tourist village above Riphyim, you will find spectacular views of a dam on Doyang River.

You could stay in the tourist lodge at Riphyim to enjoy unobstructed views from the windows of every room. The land of the Lotha tribe, Wokha lets you interact with the tribal people and learn of their traditional arts and crafts. In November, the Lotha tribe celebrates the 9-day long Tokhu Emong Festival, a post-harvest festival. It is recommended that you visit Wokha during this festival to witness the place in the best of its beauty and grandeur.

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions in Wokha are –

• Doyang Hydro Project
• Mount Tiyi
• Liphanyan Governor’s Camp
• Doyang River
• Water Pool
• Totsu Cliff
• Vankhosung

Blessed with an abundant mesmerizing beauty, the Dzukou Valley is one of the best Nagaland tourist places for trekkers. Even famed to be the best trekker’s circuit in the whole country, it is to Nagaland what the Valley of Flowers is to Uttarakhand. A tranquil land, unexplored and beautiful, the Dzukou Valley is filled with a great number of multi-hued flowers.

Lined with several ravines and streams, this valley offers you several awe-inspiring views. Spring is the best time to explore the beauty of the Dzukou Valley when it blooms with flowers and looks heavenly. Winter is also an excellent time to visit the valley when you can witness the deserted yet splendid views it has to offer.

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions in the Dzukou Valley are –

• Japfu Peak
• Khonoma

A village situated in the Peren district of Nagaland, Benreu is a village of untouched beauty. Tucked on a ridge, this marvellous village is a mark of ethnic tourism in the state. For those who want to have a peaceful and quiet holiday amidst beautiful views, Benreu is the place to be at! The simple life at the village and the daily activities of the villagers make Benreu one of the most refreshing Nagaland tourist places. A cultural paradise, this village showcases the many colours of the culture and lifestyle of Nagaland.

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions in Benreu are –

• Mt. Pauna Tourist Village
• Peren

An outcome of the responsible tribes of Nagaland, the Khonoma Green Village is one of its kind in the entire country. It houses the Angami tribe that has given up its practice of hunting and now only does agriculture (that is, jhum or shift agriculture) to make a living. The Angami tribe also shows its concern for the conservation of natural resources through making their houses using natural means.

In the Khonoma Green Village, basket weaving and handloom work happen along with agriculture. Undoubtedly an inspiring place, this village is sure to take you a step closer to nature and motivate you to conserve the natural environment. For an energetic experience like no other, visit the Khonoma Green Village, one of the top Nagaland tourist places.

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions in Khonoma Green Village are –

• Dzulekie
• Ruzaphema
• Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary

Built around the ethnic model of tourism, the Tuophema Village is a tourist village. You will be offered here traditionally-styled thatched huts, artefacts, jewellery, clothing and souvenir museum, and even authentic delicacies of Nagaland. You can bask in the culture of the Nagas and discover the depths of their culture and land. One of the major tourist attractions of the Tuophema Village is the Angami Sekrenyi Festival that is celebrated between the 25th and 27th of February every year.

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions in Tuophema Village are –

• Dzulekie
• Ingtaki Wildlife Sanctuary
• Ruzaphema
• Khonoma Village

Cosying amidst rolling, green hills, Meluri is situated in the Phek district of Nagaland. A small village is a home to the Pochury tribe that is popular for its hunting skills. Unusual rock formations in Meluri are a fantastic attraction for tourists in Meluri. Famed for its two lakes, Dzudu and Shilloi, it finds its place among some of the best Nagaland tourist places.

Earlier believed to have supernatural powers, the two lakes were avoided by humans for a long period. However, with time, the Shilloi Lake became a popular tourist attraction and is now used for angling. The Zanibu Peak is a great place to visit in Meluri from where you can view a large part of Nagaland and even the Mt. Everest.

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions in Meluri are –

• Phek
• Shilloi Lake
• Dzudu Lake
• Zanibu Peak

Offering unforgettable views, Kiphire is a spectacular district in Nagaland. A perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts as well, this district provides plenty of opportunities for trekking, rafting, and canoeing. Saramati, the highest peak in Nagaland, can be found in Kiphire. You can enjoy a 3-day trek to this peak with a route that passes through a beautiful rhododendron forest.

This district is lined with the picturesque villages of Pungro, Salumi, and Mimi. Out of these, Salumi and Mimi are considered to be virgin lands. Several caves and waterfalls form a part of these villages, making them genuinely beautiful destinations. There are caves to the east of Pungro town and at Mimi village. There is a waterfall that lays between Mimi and Khonga villages.

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions in Kiphire are –

• Saramati Peak
• Pungro Towm
• Salomi Village
• Sukhyap or Lover’s Paradise
• Mimi Village
• Wawade
• Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mihki, the river of salt

Home to the Chang Nagas, Tuen Sang is the easternmost district of Nagaland. Though the Chang Nagas are found to be pre-dominating the area, it is a place where many of the tribes live together. As a result of this co-existence, you can witness a flavorful blend of tradition and culture here. Tuen Sang is also very popular for its handicrafts, handloom, artwork, and jewellery.

It is one of the best Nagaland tourist places to go souvenir shopping. You can hear many exciting legends from the Chunglimiyti, Tsadang, and Changsangmonko and Chilise villages. These villages also have some of the fascinating places to see in Nagaland.

Some of the most exciting sightseeing places and attractions in Tuen Sng are –

• Changsangmonko and Chilise
• Tsadang
• The Living Stones of Tuen Sang